Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Request An Appointment
816-836-2200
Kansas City's Premiere Digestive Health Specialists
Diarrhea is a normal condition that all people experience occasionally. Diarrhea occurs when you have soft or loose stools in a short period of time.
As food is digested and moves through the intestines, nutrients from the food are extracted into the body. What is not absorbed turns into waste. Diarrhea occurs when waste goes through the lower digestive tract at a faster than normal rate. Diarrhea has very distinct symptoms that can occur rapidly. The number one symptom of diarrhea is frequent watery bowel movements. Other symptoms that may follow include lower abdominal cramps, bloating, and an upset stomach.
Although a common problem, diarrhea should not last more than a few days and can stop as quickly as it started. Diarrhea can be treated by home remedies, diet changes and medical care.
Acute diarrhea lasts a brief period of time (typically three to five days) and is the easiest to treat. Eating easily digested foods, foods that are low in fiber and staying away from greasy and fatty foods are the best ways to treat diarrhea. Over-the-counter medications like antidiarrheals can also help in relieving diarrhea.
If you experience diarrhea for more than five days, or if diarrhea comes and goes frequently, contact a physician. Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of an IBD disorder or indicate a more serious bowel infection.
To relieve the side effects that come with diarrhea, such as a burning sensation or irritability around the anus, sit in warm water or warm sitz bath. Because frequent trips to the restroom occur with diarrhea, it is also best to rest and avoid a busy schedule. Rest helps relax the bowels.
It is also extremely important to stay well hydrated if you are experiencing diarrhea. When food is pushed through the intestines too quickly, nutrients and water are not absorbed by the colon. When water is not absorbed, dehydration can set in.
Drinking plenty of water and other clear non-caffeinated fluids during and between meals can help reduce the risk of dehydration. Drinking sports drinks and other fluids high in electrolytes can also help with dehydration. Dehydration can turn into a serious problem if it is not give proper attention especially for older adults and very young children.
Experiencing diarrhea is inconvenient and often uncomfortable. Diarrhea can occur from many causes such as:
Most likely, everyone has or will experience diarrhea at some point. Since it can happen at any time, it is best to take precautionary measures to avoid having diarrhea. The best way to avoid diarrhea is to stay away from people who are ill and to wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 15 seconds before handling food and after using the restroom. Avoid food that’s set out for over a few hours, especially in heat.
Eating a healthy diet and reducing stress and anxiety will go a long way in decreasing the chance for diarrhea to occur.
